107.5FM WCCN The Rock - The Coolest Station in the Nation
ESPN 92.3FM WOSQ
92.7FM WPKG
Memories 1370AM 98.5FM
98.7FM / 1450AM WDLB - Timeless Classics
Listen Live: 107.5 THE ROCK • 92.7 FM
Family owned radio stations serving all of Central Wisconsin

Local Business Receives Funds From the USDA

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 -- 12:01 PM

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced that the Department is investing $633 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities across the country including Wisconsin.

USDA is investing in 791 investments through the Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan Program, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Energy Savings Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

These programs are specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. They demonstrate the many ways USDA Rural Development partners with rural residents, businesses and communities to address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.

These investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. They will assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

They will also aid transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure.

A local business has received some of these funds. Gross Motors in Neillsville will use a $40,200 grant to install a solar PV array. The project is expected to save the business $6,503 per year or 50 percent of the company's energy use, which is enough electricity to power 10 homes.

Also Gross Motors of Black River Falls will use a $70,800 grant to install solar arrays at their facility. This project is expected to save the business $23,670 per year or 64 percent of the company's energy use, which is enough electricity to power 21 homes.

In addition to these projects, USDA invested $397,500 in a Rural Energy for America Program guaranteed loan in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.